OPINION

Jan. 13, 1997

Racial remarks make strong impact on youth

Return to top A good friend brought in a Letter to the Editor published in a recent issue of Low Rider Magazine.

When he first handed it to me I only read the midsection of it and, although the essence of the letter itself merited attention, I didn't realize at the time it was written by a former Pecos resident.

Anyhow, the letter was written by Alex Gonzales, who now lives in San Antonio. The 20-year-old stated that at a young age he and his mother moved to Pecos, where he attended elementary through high schools.

He continued that while in the sixth grade his teacher, which he named in the letter, told him he, "would never amount to anything and that I would end up picking cotton the rest of my life because it was a `white world' and that I had to be white to succeed."

I've heard about this sort of attitude toward minority students when my mother was in school. It even existed during the early years of my primary education, but I find it abhorrent that it persisted during the last decade of the 21st Century and probably continues to destroy many young lives.

"Well (teacher) this one is for you...(I) am currently pursuing a degree in computer programming. For the record, I am proud of who I am and for what I stand for. Being a Mexican-American in the '90s is hard, but not impossible."

I think Mr. Gonzales holds a very healthy attitude. I'm just sorry he had to experience the apparent attempt to shatter his dignity and self esteem and carry it with him at such an early age and for so many years.

He obviously did well for himself and hopefully will continue to do so.

Mr. Gonzales' letter was entitled, "Education is the Key". This is so true, but also in the sense that part of this man's determination was sparked by a figure in "education" imposing such a negative attitude on his being.

It bothers me, however, to think of how many other Hispanic or other minority children don't endure because they take to heart what a teacher or other influential figure told them at such a cogent point in their lives.

Although Pecos' population is primarily Hispanic, I see hints of racism here and there. Always have.

It doesn't bother me anymore, for I figured out that nobody chooses to be ignorant.

I was extremely antisocial for a good while and it took me a long time to break out of a shell that was put there by the many stares, scowls and comments by persons who didn't have the faintest idea of the impact their actions had - or maybe they did.

OTHER VIEWS

Stop slide now to easy killing

Return to top On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court (took up) the weightiest moral issue since Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion: Is it acceptable for a physician to help a patient commit suicide? The answer, quite simply, is no.

... Opposition to euthanasia is inevitable for those who believe that only God is empowered to take away innocent life. But it is also shared by those who fear the social implications of moral flexibility. They believe that when an erstwhile taboo is declared acceptable behavior, it can soon afterward become normal, even desirable.

... But, most of all, opponents fear the proverbial slippery slope: the slide from terminally ill to chronically ill or merely old; from unendurable physical pain to mental anguish; from voluntary to involuntary euthanasia.

Anyone who doubts that this slide is possible should study the history of euthanasia in the Netherlands. Although it began with the same noble intentions less than 20 years ago, it is now practiced on patients who are not dying, are in no pain and do not give their consent.

... God forbid American doctors should ever get that power. -- Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle

OTHER VIEWS

Air bag mandate raises questions

Return to top With the release of newly proposed air bag regulations, federal traffic safety officials have acknowledged that air bag requirements imposed on automakers more than a decade ago have since killed 32 children and 20 adults.

For this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tentatively approved new regulations for less powerful air bag deployment mechanisms and authorized auto dealers to disconnect air bags entirely for car buyers who request it. Still further regulations aimed at modifying motorist behaviors are pending.

It needs quickly saying that air bags are effective lifesaving devices in head-on collisions. ...

That said, the underlying federal justification for mandated air bags - that they save many more lives than they take - is presumptuous and invites congressional review of the policy. Even accepting federal estimates that air bags have saved 1,700 lives while taking only 52, the appropriateness of the mandate is questionable on its face. ... -- The Greenville (S.C.) News Return to top

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